[wannabesmallholder]

Just that really. What age could an absolute idiot (i.e. me  ) tell a hen apart from a cockerel?

[roddycm]

Depends on the breed. In my experience silkies can take a few months while others are obvious from as little as a few days! Some from birth as their colour is sex linked! Do you have any pics?

[Clarebelle]

In my flock of mixed breeds I can usually tell for sure by about 5/6 weeks. The cocks combs are noticeably larger, thicker legs, longer tails. I could guestimate while their younger but might get some surprises.

[chrismahon]

Definitely varies with the breed. Our Leghorns were obvious at 2 weeks, but Wyandottes went to 12 weeks and Buff Orpingtons- well we had two suddenly change from hens to cockerels at over 20 weeks!

[Backinwellies]

If you have a mixed bunch then it is easy .....  as C says.    If you only have one or a bunch are all one sex then it is usually a downward tail feather which is first sign ..... though have to say with my Maran  it started to crow before I was sure, I had no others to compare it with.

[Marches Farmer]

Thicker legs, comb and wattles redden earlier, tail feathers less developed then sickle feathers start to come through.  Good giveaway is the feathers on the neck (the hackle feathers).  These are pointed in cockerels, more rounded in hens.  Oh, and a sound like a cat being strangled - it's the beginning of a crow.

[wannabesmallholder]

OK thanks all. They are coming up to 4 weeks, so I might give them a few more weeks and then post a pic here and see what you all think!